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7 Tips for Moving a Parent to Memory Care

With the growing number of Alzheimer and dementia patients in the United States, more and more seniors are moving to memory care centers for help and assistance. This transition can be scary or frustrating for suffering seniors, and cause feelings of guilt and grief for loved ones making the difficult decision. There are ways to help make the transition to an assisted living community less stressful and give your loved one peace of mind.

Downplay the Moving Process

Don’t make a big deal about the move. Avoid asking your loved one if they are nervous about the change and move. Don’t ask them to help pack or choose which items to take. Memory loss can make decision making difficult and may present challenges. Be aware of things that are important to your parent or loved one and make sure to pack them to bring to the memory care center.

Don’t Make It Seem Permanent

Don’t make the move to assisted living seem permanent. Talk about how their new care providers will be offering more help than you can give in home care. Work with staff members to convey to your loved one that they’re there for a short stay to ensure a successful move.

Visit The Facility Ahead of Time

Get to know the facility ahead of time. Meet those in charge of care services. Ask about private rooms and daily living for those in memory care. Learn about what activities and programs are available at the center so you can discuss it with your loved one and get them excited about their new residence.

Decorate Their New Room

Get their room ready for them before they get there. Don’t try to stuff too much into the small space–a cluttered room can cause anxiety for those with memory loss. Make sure to bring all the things they typically use during their days so they can have some things familiar to them in their new place. Bring their own furniture, favorite music, and family photo albums to help make them feel comfortable, stimulate their mind, and keep memories fresh.

Keep Your Tone Positive

Keep your attitude and tone positive. Your loved one will pick up on grief or sadness if you are crying and carrying on about the move. By not providing too many details, you and your loved one can remain calm for the transition. Share with them the opportunities for socialization and memory care activities to help get them excited about the change.

Refrain From Visiting for the First Week

As difficult as it might be, avoid visiting your loved one the first week. These first days are crucial to a positive transition to memory care. If you visit too soon, your parent or senior might become angry and ask to be taken home. Keep communication open with the staff and work with them to build a relationship with your loved one. Once this initial transition period has passed, you can commit to regularly scheduled visits.

Let Yourself Grieve

It can be difficult and sad to move your parent or loved one away from independent living and into memory care. Remember, this is the best way to provide your loved one with better care.You must let yourself grieve, but also understand you are providing them a place to meet and make new friends, have fun with daily activities and the safety and care they need and deserve.

Putting Their Safety First

It is always important to consider the safety of your loved one first. Memory care is specialized assisted living which allows those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s to live to their fullest potential while in a safe and peaceful environment. Memory care offers a home setting with individualized care and attention. It can be the answer to keeping your loved one safe and allow them to thrive through their later years.

To learn more about the best ways to move a parent to memory care, Contact Us.